Cameroon

Epidemiology of Suicide

Overall Statistics

• Current Suicide Rate (per 100,000 people): 12.0 (2019 data). (tradingeconomics.com)
• Trend Analysis:

• • Last 5 Years: Suicide rates in Cameroon have remained relatively stable but may be underreported due to stigma and limited reporting mechanisms.

Demographic-Specific Insights

1. By Gender:

1. • Male Suicide Rate: Higher than females, consistent with global trends.
   • Female Suicide Rate: Lower but significant, particularly in rural areas where women face economic and domestic challenges.

2. By Age Groups:

1. • Adolescents (15–24): Suicide rates among adolescents are rising, often linked to unemployment, academic pressures, and social isolation.
   • Elderly (60+): Suicide among the elderly is often associated with chronic illness, loneliness, and lack of social support.

3. Rural vs. Urban:

1. • Higher suicide rates are observed in rural areas, attributed to limited mental health resources and greater social isolation.

4. Special Groups:

1. • Refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Cameroon are at higher risk of suicide due to trauma, displacement, and lack of access to mental health care.

Suicide Prevention Innovations

National Strategies and Policies

• Overview: Cameroon does not yet have a formal national suicide prevention strategy. However, mental health initiatives are integrated into the national healthcare system.
• Key Elements:

• • Training primary healthcare workers to identify and address mental health issues.
  • Strengthening mental health services at the community level.

Specific Initiatives and Campaigns

1. Public Awareness Campaigns:

1. • Example: World Mental Health Day activities organized by local organizations aim to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior.

2. Programs Targeting High-Risk Groups:

1. • Programs focusing on refugee and IDP populations to address trauma and mental health challenges.
   • Initiatives for youth and adolescents to raise awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.

3. Collaborative Efforts:

1. • Partnerships with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and local NGOs to enhance mental health services and suicide prevention.

Innovative Tools and Approaches

• Community-Based Interventions:

• • Training traditional healers and community leaders to recognize signs of mental health issues and refer individuals to appropriate services.

• Digital Tools:

• • Limited implementation of digital tools for mental health; telemedicine initiatives are in early development stages.

Additional Insights

• Cultural Considerations:

• • Traditional beliefs and stigma surrounding mental health remain significant barriers to seeking help in Cameroon.
  • Mental health services are often complemented by traditional healing practices.

• Research and Data Gaps:

• • Comprehensive data on suicide and mental health among specific groups, such as LGBTQIA+ individuals, is limited.

• Positive Developments:

• • Increasing collaboration with international organizations and gradual integration of mental health services into primary care highlight progress in addressing suicide prevention.

References

1. Trading Economics. (2019). Cameroon – Suicide Mortality Rate (per 100,000 Population). Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/cameroon/suicide-mortality-rate-per-100000-population-wb-data.html
2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Cameroon. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
3. UNICEF Cameroon. (n.d.). Mental Health and Adolescent Wellbeing. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/cameroon/
4. Ministry of Public Health, Cameroon. (n.d.). Mental Health Services Overview. Retrieved from https://www.minsante.cm/